20 Movie Soundtracks From The ’70s That Are Better Than The Film

The 1970s was a golden era for music, a time when soundtracks weren’t just background noise—they were cultural events, often outshining the very films they were meant to support.

Some movies came and went with barely a ripple, but their soundtracks? Absolute fire. These albums spun on turntables long after the credits rolled, becoming the true stars of the show.

Think about it: how many times have you caught yourself humming a song from a film you barely remember? From disco-fueled anthems to soul-stirring ballads, the ‘70s gifted us some of the most iconic musical collections ever pressed onto vinyl.

Whether it was a funky bassline, a soaring orchestral masterpiece, or a rock anthem that refused to quit, these soundtracks didn’t just complement their films—they eclipsed them.

So let’s turn up the volume and dive into twenty unforgettable soundtracks that danced their way into history, leaving their movies trailing far behind in their musical dust!

1. Xanadu (1980)

When the film tried to be a whimsical disco fantasy, it ended up as a strange trip through roller rinks and neon lights. But the soundtrack? A sparkling gem by ELO and Olivia Newton-John that still captures hearts.

“Magic” and “Xanadu” are irresistibly catchy and pure auditory delight. Who knew a movie about a muse would lead to such musical enchantment? While the film skated awkwardly into cult status, the music soared into pop heaven.

It’s the kind of album you play on repeat, just like the roller disco scenes wanted you to do.

2. Saturday Night Fever (1977)

The film had its moments, but let’s face it, the Bee Gees’ soundtrack was the real star of the disco show. “Stayin’ Alive” became an anthem, pulsing through every dance floor with its iconic beat.

You might wonder if anyone remembers the movie’s plot, but no one forgets those falsetto notes. This soundtrack was the heartbeat of a generation, etching itself into music history.

It’s the kind of album that inspires spontaneous living room dance-offs. Who needs movie dialogue when you have harmonies like these?

3. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)

Imagine a bizarre Beatles-themed journey starring the Bee Gees and Peter Frampton.

The film was a peculiar spectacle, but the soundtrack? Filled with Beatles covers that made you want to twist and shout. It’s like a visit to a slightly off-kilter parallel universe where Sgt. Pepper leads the band. The music, however, stayed true to the original spirit, adding a unique flair.

This album is a curious treasure, where nostalgia meets novelty, creating a sound both familiar and refreshingly different.

4. The Wiz (1978)

The movie ventured into visually weird territories, but the soundtrack? It was a dazzling collaboration of Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Quincy Jones.

Together, they crafted melodies that eclipsed the film’s peculiar charm. Whether you’re following the Yellow Brick Road or just grooving at home, these tunes make you want to dance with joy. The music captures a magic that the movie aimed for but didn’t quite reach.

It’s like putting on ruby slippers and realizing they sing better than they walk.

5. Thank God It’s Friday (1978)

A forgettable disco movie, indeed, but then there’s Donna Summer’s “Last Dance.” This song became a legendary dance floor anthem, transcending the film’s limitations.

While the movie wobbled through its plot, the soundtrack stood firm, keeping the disco ball spinning. It’s a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one golden track to outshine a lackluster film. With beats that demand you move, it’s an auditory celebration that lasts long after the credits roll.

Who needs a storyline when you have a soundtrack that leads the dance?

6. The Black Hole (1979)

The film was a strange sci-fi attempt to capture the Star Wars magic, but John Barry’s orchestral score was the real cosmic wonder.

Chilling and epic, the music transported listeners to the depths of the universe, far better than the film’s special effects. A soundtrack that defied gravity, it floated above the film’s black hole of confusion.

It proves that sometimes, the music paints a far more vivid picture than the visuals. This score is an interstellar journey, where every note tells a story.

7. American Hot Wax (1978)

A movie about a fictional rock concert might not have hit all the right notes, but the soundtrack?

It was rock ‘n’ roll history. Featuring legends like Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis, it was as if the music itself rebelled against mediocrity. This album is a nostalgic tour de force, where the spirit of the ’50s rock and roll shines brightly. It’s a time capsule that lets you relive an era filled with uncontainable energy.

The film may have fizzled, but the soundtrack rocks eternally.

8. Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

In a world where rock opera met horror, the film became a cult oddity, but Paul Williams’ soundtrack turned it into gold.

Each track is a theatrical masterpiece that leaves you spellbound. It’s glam, it’s rock, it’s everything the movie wanted to be and more. The music transcends its cinematic quirks, delivering an experience that stands strong on its own.

A soundscape where drama meets melody, it’s a grand spectacle of sound that leaves an everlasting impression. The film was a masquerade; the soundtrack was the ball.

9. A Star Is Born (1976)

The film may have been okay, but Barbra Streisand’s “Evergreen” and the rock-heavy soundtrack were the heart and soul.

It’s as if the music sprouted wings and took flight, leaving the movie to trail behind. With each note, Streisand’s voice carries emotions that resonate far beyond the screen. This soundtrack is a testament to the power of music to tell its own story, one that lingers in the air long after the film fades.

While the movie reached for the stars, the soundtrack touched them.

10. Foxes (1980)

Trying too hard was the movie’s style, but not its soundtrack.

Featuring Donna Summer, Cher, and Janis Ian, it was a hit parade that outshone the film’s coming-of-age drama. These legendary voices turned the music into a narrative richer than any script. It’s where the soul of the 1980s began to groove, capturing the emotion the film aimed for.

With melodies that evoke nostalgia, it’s an album that resonates long after the credits. The movie may have stumbled, but the soundtrack danced confidently.

11. Car Wash (1976)

The film was a fun ride, but the Rose Royce soundtrack turned it into a funk and disco masterpiece.

Each track is a ticket to a world where grooves and suds collide. This music washes over you like a wave of rhythm, cleansing any cinematic missteps. The soundtrack is a joyful celebration of sound that stands tall amidst soap bubbles and laughter.

It’s a feel-good album that makes everyday rituals seem like dance opportunities. While the film drives on, the soundtrack dances in circles.

12. Roller Boogie (1979)

A cheesy roller-skating flick, sure, but the soundtrack? Earth, Wind & Fire, Cher, and Boogie Wonderland vibes take it to another level.

This music spins circles around any plotline, with beats that keep feet gliding effortlessly. It’s a roller disco fever dream that refuses to slow down. The tunes transport you to a place where style and rhythm intersect, creating a vibrant dance floor tapestry.

The movie may have rolled away into obscurity, but the soundtrack skates on with flair and finesse.

13. The Apple (1980)

In a wild sci-fi musical about dystopian pop music, the film was a mess, but the soundtrack? Cult-level catchy.

It’s an eccentric collection of tunes that defy genres and expectations. Each song is a bizarrely delightful earworm that sticks long after the credits roll. The music captures a world where pop culture reigns, creating a hypnotic experience.

It’s a soundscape where futuristic dreams and musical whims collide, crafting an unforgettable auditory journey. The film tried to predict the future; the soundtrack invented its own.

14. FM (1978)

A mediocre movie about a radio station, but the soundtrack boasted a rock dynasty. With Steely Dan, The Eagles, Boston, Tom Petty, and Foreigner, it’s a who’s who of ’70s legends.

The music leaves the film’s frequency far behind, soaring on airwaves that echo through time. It’s an album where melody meets nostalgia, creating a timeless resonance. Each track is a reminder of an era when radio ruled and rock reigned supreme.

The movie might have faded, but the soundtrack blasts on.

15. Heavy Metal (1981)

A trippy animated cult classic, the film was visually wild, but the soundtrack? A hard-rocking wonder.

Featuring Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, and Cheap Trick, it’s a sonic thrill ride. Each track is a headbanger’s delight that transcends the animated chaos. The music forms a powerful narrative, a rock odyssey that stands alone. It’s a feast for the ears, where every note shakes the foundations.

The film may have been a visual trip, but the soundtrack is an everlasting sonic journey.

16. Electric Light Orchestra’s Discovery (1979)

Not technically a soundtrack, but heavily used in ELO’s Discovery music film.

While the film faded, the album remains fire, with tracks that electrify every listen. This is ELO at their best, where symphonic rock meets futuristic dreams. Each song is a vivid tapestry of sound that paints the mind’s canvas. It’s an album that demands attention, resonating long after the music stops.

The film may have been forgotten, but the soundtrack continues to light up imaginations. ELO proves that music discovers its own destiny.

17. Grease 2 (1982)

A sequel that stumbled, but the soundtrack? “Cool Rider” and “Reproduction” are guilty pleasures that defy cinematic judgment.

This album evokes a retro vibe, with tunes that capture the spirit of teenage rebellion. Each song is a testament to musical fun, elevating the movie from its awkward moments. It’s a nostalgic celebration that makes you want to grab a leather jacket and join the chorus.

While the film tried to ride the coattails of its predecessor, the soundtrack created its own cool legacy.

18. The Warriors (1979)

The film was a cult classic, but the soundtrack? A next-level cool, featuring Joe Walsh and Barry De Vorzon’s iconic theme.

Each track is a gritty journey through an urban soundscape that’s as thrilling as the movie’s plot. It’s an album where rock and storytelling collide, creating a harmonious rebellion. The music carries the film’s intensity, amplifying every scene’s atmosphere.

While the movie walked its path through darkness, the soundtrack lit the way with its resonant beats. It’s a warrior’s anthem, forever echoing.

19. Tommy (1975)

A wild rock opera by The Who that found more harmony in headphones than in theaters.

This concept album became a musical revelation, where each track is a chapter of its own. It’s a sound journey that’s as bold as it is unforgettable. The music transcends cinematic limitations, crafting a narrative that resonates deeply.

It’s a revolutionary album where rock meets storytelling in a dramatic dance. While the film might have lost its way, the soundtrack found its voice, ringing loud and clear.

20. Zabriskie Point (1970)

The film was an artsy disaster, but the soundtrack? A treasure trove featuring Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and Jerry Garcia.

Each song is a sonic expedition, exploring landscapes the movie barely touched. It’s an album where soundscapes paint pictures more vivid than any film reel. The music tells stories of its own, echoing through time and space. While the movie wandered aimlessly, the soundtrack found its destination.

It’s an auditory canvas, where legendary artists created timeless masterpieces, far surpassing cinematic ambitions.